Amanda Ebokosia at Miss New Jersey USA 2010;
Right after her evening gown competition
Amanda Ebokosia attends Essence Young Women's Leadership Conference
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THE AE JOURNAL
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Tuesday, November 3, 2009
PART II: Info on LFM Series Film: "Model Walk" - airs for the rest of the season
PART II: This past summer I was featured in a documentary called, "Model Walk". I did not go through every taping because I was preparing for my exams. It was produced by the Producer G. Stancil of SYGM.
It should air on Monday for the rest of the season under the main series, "Live From Midtown", as The Model Walk Documentary. You may check your local listings at Colourstv.org. It aired yesterday, 11/2/09 at 5:00pm EST.
I'll post some footage later in the Video section of this website.
Lately, I've been a free-lance writer for a few companies. You may view some of my material on Therelationshiptalk.com ( It will link the other sites). I do appreciate the feed-back.
This is what I call the interviewing season for the medical school process, keep me in your thoughts and prayers please! I'm also trying to complete some forms for funding issues for my NPO. "JUST SMILE-- Smiling is the best antidote to heal any pain.It's life's homemade remedy, sent to you in a pretty yellow box. Just figure out what your yellow box may be"
PART:I My time at MISS NJ USA 2010 Pageant & Info about the LFM Series Film: "Model Walk" - airs for the rest of the season
I am going to discuss an event that occurred several days ago. I'm also taking the time to talk about one of the films I had the honor of being featured in earlier this summer.
First I would like to say, "I really should be checking my PO BOX a lot more". I originally bought a PO BOX to separate business mail from my personal mail, but when your PO BOX is in a whole other town, you're less likely to check it as often as you should. Well, shortly before my trip to Alaska I received a letter from Donald Trump. I am sure several young women know what I am talking about. It was a letter to apply to hopefully participate in this year's Miss New Jersey USA 2010 Pageant! This must have been the second time in my entire lifetime that I received such a notice.
The first time was during my freshman year of college when I was pretty much engrossed in my pre-medical classes, I could not find the time to raise sponsorship and get involved in it. Now this time around I was receiving this notice as a college graduate who has already completed her Medical School applications and was hungry for some excitement. I whispered to myself my famous words, "Why NOT?". I could write a novel as to why I wanted to participate in this pageant. It goes far beyond the scope of being just a "beauty pageant". There is beauty beyond the physical layers of what we see. Let me explain.
It is not my job to find out why many don't understand my motives, place, or "the big picture" of all things that I wish to do, see, and conquer. It is my job in becoming the woman who I desired to be at 8, 18, and now 23. The woman who I envisioned to become: powerful, bright, worldly, & articulate. It is my JOB to at least attempt to partake in activities that would foster growth and help me blossom into that woman. I saw it with this pageant.
Do you know what it's like to campaign in less than a few weeks for over $1k, after coming from a trip like Alaska?
It's tough. There are a few barriers that need to be broken for one. You have to let go of all insecurities you may have. The strongest women have them too, this I know for sure. You have to believe you deserve it! You must walk, breathe, talk as if you do. Raising sponsorship is garnering support and believers in everything that you do! I decided to try my best to avoid family & friends for monetary donations. I raised the bulk of it through small businesses.
It changed me.
I don't know what it was really. It could have been going to that famous Thai spot that I often frequented, the doctor offices I often passed, or riding up to cities I rarely visited but soon found hidden treasures.
It changed me.
I suppose what changed me most was needing to raise my last stick of $300 the day before the competition. I called a best friend in a panic. I believe I said to her ," I think I just found my own "Audacity of Hope" moment". Before I get "the eye brow raiser", I will explain it with a question.
Have you ever found yourself in a pretty hopeless situation? While the only thing that is fueling you is your desire to be apart of something so great that you could almost taste it? Well, that's all I felt during the evening on the 15th ( the day before the pageant). I felt that way in my "let's bring it ensemble" 4 inch heels and a knee length gray pleated dress by Calvin Klein's --- in the midst of terenchal rain. YES. It was raining DOGS and ELEPHANTS that night. I just about visited 3 towns in New Jersey and spent about 4 hours campaigning to just come up short with 300 left.
What happened? I regrouped. That's what happened. I repositioned my thoughts and approach. Once I did that I was able to make the phone call.
"Hello?"
Yes, Pageant Headquarters..
"This is Amanda, and I suppose I will be able to make it. Just raised the last bit"
Well, it was something along those lines.
The best thing that I did get from this situation besides meeting amazing people, was a new outlook. I've always knew what it was like to witness compassion directly with my not-for-profit and the funds we helped raised for organizations such as American Cancer Society & Autism Speaks.
It was "refreshing" to see it all again, it was rewarding to find total strangers believe in me and support me in attempting to have my own opportunity.
In the end, it was all about opportunity and a chance--- to live out a dream.
Congrats Cheona Greene: Miss New Jersey USA 2010
I leave you with a short clip. Also, check the link below to READ MORE about a film which aired today and I think runs every other Monday for this season--which I am featured in.
PS:The title for this entry was a phrase from our opening number song by Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling"
Talk is cheap if you can't walk the walk--the production has started with Stancil
Live your best life your way and forget about what others think-success is only hindered when you follow other dreams that are not your own.
The above photo was taken on one of the my many early morning runs outside. I am so happy to wake up to that beautiful sky every morning. I almost forgot how running makes me feel. I get the most pleasant feelings from running. It is the one moment where my mind is completely at rest and at one with nature. I excel-inhale-smile and repeat ( More about my fitness cycle please continue: {Click here to _Divatude}). This has been the busiest 36 hrs of life I had in a while.I am studying for my MCATS and taking part in two productions of film--so exciting. This past Saturday the filming for Model Walk started. The show will air this October on Colours TV ( they have local channels for every state) and on the DISH network -9407.
The shows has first recording was a runway fashion show in Midtown Manhattan by Columbus Circle. It consisted of four different looks! Urban Street,Twin,Preppy, and Haute Couture. I wanted to add my own flair to it so I went to a few places to get my own accessories. A friend of my requested that I go to a spot called Culture Couture.
It was a very cute shop that had a lot of modern to vintage type looks. I have been fallen for printed leggings lately, so I grabbed a few pairs for my own enjoyment. I made sure that I also tapped this cute cupcake spot called , "Jimmy's__________", forget the rest.It was almost as good as Crumbs, a cupcake spot located at Bryant park in NY.
My life tastes good and so does yours, you just have to season it just right with the proper ingredients to provide nourishment and fulfillment. During the recording I had the chance to bond with a few of my cast members, Krissie Judd and her friend Kenitha. During break, I asked if they would like to attend a go-see with me at Bourgeoisie Shoes. We had an adventure that day! We kept saying, "Greg really needs to have filmed our own mini journey here ". Aside from my close friends I never would have thought that I would have so much fun with a group of ladies who I barely knew. I am looking forward in a beautiful friendship and a wonderful production at Model Walk. I am itching to discuss the events which occurred on Sunday and Today--but I will leave that for tomorrow. For now, I will leave you with this photo which was taken this past Sunday while in New York.
Lastly, Live your best life-- you are the actor to your own play. Have fun and enjoy today because tomorrow is not granted. Dream BIG-- see BIG --love BIG-- receive BIG...BE BIG-THINK BIG
UNIFICATION-THE GEM PROJECT, INC.THEN AND NOW-my silence is broken.
The first day of Spring could not have arrived sooner! I woke up in a fright when I first saw that it was snowing this morning.Luckily, just as quickly as the snow fell it left and since melted away.The aside flower photo on the left was taken with my phone. I took it a few days ago when I was on my morning run.I am so glad that I can wave my palm to winter, like some horrible ending to a movie that just seemed to drag and mislead all who watched. I proudly hold my cup of fine pure Spring water and say,"CHEERS TO NEW BEGINNINGS". Spring is my favorite season.. It's not too hot nor is it too cold. I can't wait until it does get warmer so I can dust off all my pretty spring/summer dresses.
A few days ago I got too happy when I felt a slight touch of sun. Yes, I was that lady who you walked passed, and may have muttered under your breath, "What is she thinking?". I came out in my denim shorts and leather cowboy boots as if I lived in California and not chilly Jersey in the middle of Winter.
-I did not think I would pull one of those again-
I have been quiet about The Gem Project because it is going through an expansion period and I am trying to run it differently. Several of the events this term has been halted in an effort to have a smooth transition.I have realized that in order to build a strong infrastructure with an organization-you must iron all wrinkles. In due time I plan on expanding and having a new staff aboard to help execute our goals effectively. I also need to observe the tactics I use as a leader and face my flaws. I have a few flaws I am trying to battle. I see The Gem Project thriving and becoming something beautiful and well needed in our community today.
-I MUST ACT SMART IN THE DECISIONS I MAKE-
I am also amending my BY LAWS of the way my organization is governed- and taking the proper avenues in becoming a better leader.
I am flawed. I admit that but I have passion and that is what has driven many of my thoughts into action.
A successful leader faces his/her flaws with their best armor and face!
Let the games begin. I am suited and ready for great results this year.
I remember a speech I gave a while back, about passion and the importance of fulfilling the goals you set before yourself. It was a funny speech, I openly asked the crowd if they recalled as a child what they "wished" to be when they grew up?
I responded for them by saying they would have possibly said, " I want to be a teacher, lawyer,fireman, police officer,engineer,writer,artist, and BATMANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!" . I shouted the last one at the top of my lungs. I made sure the last one was known. I love children because they have what we all had but lose as we get older-innocence. It is this quality that often allowed us as children to dream beyond measure.
When one dreams beyond measure, they're not hindered by the "How, I Can't,NOT, and No". They're driven by desire and imagination. These are the elements which motivate individuals to feverishly paint their ideal beginnings or endings--only later should they contemplate the how.
I have a confession-- I am a big kid at heart. When I am around the right people, I smile to the point where my face looks like its a still art portrait display. A few days ago I swung on an actual swing--in the middle of Central Park. OK OK It was at the edge of Central Park.
I've been traveling a lot these days to New York. It has mostly been for business which for me, always leads to pleasure---self-gratification eg.shopping,running,...etc). I am currently working on two films. I will expand on them tomorrow. I never thought I would do a film --like I always say: IT IS THE YEAR OF SAYING YES YES YES.
PHOTO: The two above photos above were taken while on the train to NYC
(Gee, Brain, what are we going to do tonight?)----- Let's talk P.O.W.E.R.
I will be the first to say, I love power. My family knows it, my friends know it,and I know it. If it was offered as a discipline in college, I may have minored in it. I believe having power can help you paint your ideal life.When your thoughts are emitted out to the world you will soon see how it plays harmoniously with your actions, like a fine tune that is echoed from the cords of a piano-- it will start take form. It deals with actually seeing your ideas -- observing them as it transitions from thoughts to something visible-- something easily attainable.
It's like sweet Ambrosia.
There is power in words and if used properly you can sway even the most stubborn of minds. I had a professor who once said, " Words are the pipelines to your brain". I am still a pupil in that department. I understand it fully with the several projects I had done in the past. I had to gain trust before I was granted anyaction. It took power in words and presence. You have to work in confidence within yourself before you can think of getting anything in life. Why should I do this? Why should I grant you this? Who are you?.... . Reflecting on the last entry, you have to be bold.
I have several books! I place value on books more than the shoes on my feet or the clothes on my back. I've started reading, " The 48 laws of Power", by Robert Greene. He is rather frank about power in is recent best-seller. It almost seems evil at first but I see truth in it as he examines several events in the past where power was displayed.
Niccolo Machiavelli: Renaissance diplomat and courtier states,
Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to ruin among a great number who are not good"
The gains of attaining power are countless. When one bends to your will without even realizing it, is what I call: Power laced with traces of seduction. Robert Greene has another novel called, The Art of Seduction. My mouth is watering by just thinking of getting my hands on that book!
Greene also says in order for one to be in track with power, you must not allow emotions to crowd your way of thinking. Anger clouds reason while love blinds self-deserving interests. We are encouraged to reflect on Janus, a Roman deity, who literally had two faces--we must look forward toward the future and have a face to look backward to the past. In order to live a sound life and assume power in the present, we must calculate all possible permutations. That is the only way we can guarantee a life that seems controlled.This will result in you always maintaining your composure because you would have already thought of every resolution for everything that could go wrong. A person in power does not falter or break down when something does not go right.We can always identify a powerful person by how composed he/she is. They maintain their level of composure because they have already expected all flaws in their work and have already calculated the best route to solve them effortlessly.
We can assume power by taking it on strong and steady. We are the conductors of our own orchestra called life.
I woke up early this morning and took control and said, " I will run today.I did run!I went out for a long 3 mile run. That was powerful for me. It was better than lounging around and saying, " I wish I could go..".
Power hungry or not. LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE Your way!
THIS YEAR HAS BEEN THE YEAR TO BE BOLD. I added a new twist to the quote, " When life throws you lemons, make lemonade". I say when life throws you lemons put on red lipstick! Be daring enjoy every moment in your life, no matter how big or small it is. Every obstacle is a challenge and should be tackled as such.
These past few days I've been doing things that I would not normally do. It has been the year of saying:YES YES YES. Currently, I have accumulated the best experiences from living by that philosophy this year. Today, I sit here exhausted because I am full with my daily 4 course meals of the following:
Appetizer:Feel Good Pudding~ Waking up happy and working myself out. This means a few series of crunches and stretches. If I am lucky to wake up extra early, I'll add in a 30-45 minute jog. I have not done that in a long time.I smile at those 20 lap jogs around of a 400m track. Its funny, that was like a year ago.
Salad:Mind Crunch Lettuce~ I try to stimulate my mind daily reading a good book or news article. If I have limited time, I read up my new articles online at cnn.com or nytimes.com on my phone. It keeps me up to date with the current events. I personally feel that it is important. I don't depend on television nor do I watch it much. Which is why I need to make sure I have my mind crunch lettuce.
Main Course:Superwoman Delight~ I have a lot going on in my life so I divide it in threes. I organize tasks the day before in lists called: Personal Life, Academia, & Business. I quickly see results by completing each task in its own category. I do not overwhelm myself by listing several things. The key is to be realistic and set your goals in visible writing. You must also take advantage of your time and not procrastinate ( I KNOW IT IS HARD). I'm not perfect and I continuously try to find better ways in being efficient in everything I do.
Dessert:Sweet tooth nourishing Flan~ I try to nourish the relationships I choose to have with particular people. I start with God , myself, family and then friends. I need to nourish myself by taking care of my mind,body, and spirit.You must love and take care of yourself in order to build fruitful strong relationships with others. I do have a favorite list on my phone, the list includes my family and friends who mean a lot to me. I try to make some time during the weekend to reach out to at least one friend. I do this while I trying to keep in contact with my family during the week. Life suddenly becomes sweeter. I just can't wait to try my dessert of sweet tooth nourishing flan by the end of the day. Sometimes I even take this particular dessert early in the morning or afternoon!
Each day is soooooo exciting! I often think to myself about what things that I've not tried and can at that particular moment. Living each day is a gift from God.
ENJOY YOUR FOUR COURSE MEAL!
Current music listening to:Cassie ft. Fabolous-Super Model
